“Go Momma Go!” This cheer has become a beloved mantra for Dani Filipek as she runs alongside her three children. The encouragement from spectators during races, and even during casual runs, fuels her passion for the sport. “It’s probably my number one reason for running. It’s more rewarding than any record I’ve ever achieved. It brings tears to my eyes because I just love being a mom,” Filipek shared.
Despite being 32 years old and a mother of three young children, Filipek has not slowed down; instead, she has accelerated her running ambitions. Recently, she made headlines by participating in the Detroit Free Press Marathon, where she set a world record.
Reflecting on her motivations, Filipek explained, “I was running with my kids and thought, ‘What will give me a goal?’ As parents, we often lose sight of our personal goals because we focus so much on everyone else. I wanted to find something that would excite me post-partum, and I thought, ‘Let’s try to do something that has never been done before.’”
Filipek’s determination paid off, as she earned a place in the Guinness World Records for the fastest mile pushed in a triple stroller during the Detroit Free Press Marathon. Her official time for the mile, while pushing her three children, was an impressive 6:41. In the age 30-34 female category, she finished third out of 59 participants, and overall, she placed 11th among 570 women and 54th out of 887 overall.
Describing the race experience, she said, “It was so electric and so much fun. The start and finish felt a bit slower, but it was a mile.”
Filipek’s enthusiasm for running extends beyond personal achievement; it also strengthens her family bonds. She and her husband run a business called Yooper Running, dedicated to fostering a love for running in their community. “Running brought my husband and me together and keeps us connected. We believe that running can be for everyone—whether you’re walking, running, or wheeling. It promotes great health, mentally, physically, and emotionally,” she stated.
Through her journey, Filipek hopes to inspire other mothers to pursue their dreams. “Try something new, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. We mothers are real-life superheroes, so make some time for yourself,” she encouraged.
Filipek expects to receive official confirmation of her record from Guinness in the coming months.
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